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Growth Management Program Survey Results
The Growth Management Program Survey results have been posted at https://arcg.is/1W0Gnq.
The Municipal Planning Assistance Program scheduled three virtual focus group meetings to share the Maine Growth Management Program survey results. Because of the depth of information we received from survey respondents, each focus group covered different aspects of the survey. The focus groups were held as follows:
- Focus Group #1 – November 8 (noon-2:00 pm) – Improve the preparation of Comprehensive Plans and the State Review Process. Presentation available as a PDF.
- Focus Group #2 – November 13 (4:00-6:00 pm) – Support Implementation of Comprehensive Plans. Presentation available as a PDF.
- Focus Group #3 – November 14 (noon-2:00 pm) – Prioritize the most important Technical Assistance Resources to prepare Comprehensive Plans. Presentation available as a PDF.
The Maine Planning Basics Webinar Series
Presentations intended for those new to planning in Maine. This presentations respond to a significant increase in new planners in the State. Sessions are scheduled for the first Friday of each month from 12pm - 1:30pm. Find all presentations on our Webinars webpage.
Featured presentation - Zoning for Rural Communities, 12/6/2024: Join us for a webinar exploring Cape Elizabeth’s Greenbelt Plan and Town Center Plan. Learn how these plans have helped to preserve the rural and natural areas in the town while also intentionally directing development to the town’s center. The examples from Cape Elizabeth can serve as models that other rural communities can follow to create a vibrant town center, a safe and inviting pedestrian and bicycle environment, and linkages to the town’s open space and nearby residential neighborhoods.
Natural Hazards and Land Use Planning 101 Webinar Series
Webinars and workshops on minimizing natural hazards and boosting community resilience are scheduled from August 2024 to early 2025. These sessions are designed for municipal staff and volunteers and cover planning, vulnerability assessments, infrastructure, and ordinances. Find all presentations on the Webinars webpage.
Featured presentation Perspectives on Land Use Planning for Risk Reduction, 12/18/2024. In the 4th session in our Hazards Series, we highlighted examples of zoning, ordinances, and other strategies used by communities to increase their resilience to natural hazards such as flooding, sea level rise, erosion, and extreme heat. This session included learning from and a discussion with a panel of planners and code enforcement officers from Maine communities that implemented hazard-related land use strategies. Presentation available as a PDF.
Growth Management Program Evaluation - 2023
The quadrennial Growth Management Program Evaluation was presented to the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources in 2024. The Growth Management Law (MRS 30-A Sec. 4331) requires an evaluation of the state, regional and local efforts to achieve the purposes and goals of the law. This report provides that evaluation by looking at three criteria: the location of growth, the level of local and regional planning, and the state’s financial commitment to growth management. Growth Management Program Evaluation - 2023.
Other Items of Interest...
EPA Stormwater Calculator
Demonstration for Planning Boards
Using funds provided in a grant from the Maine Coastal Program, the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission has created a demonstration of EPA's online Stormwater Calculator. The step-by-step demonstration is designed to show local Planning Board members the effect Low-Impact Development (LID) stormwater management techniques can have when used in a hypothetical development scenario.
Why your town should have a Comprehensive Plan
Learn about some key benefits your community can enjoy by adopting a comprehensive plan that is consistent with Maine's Growth Management Act, including:
- clear vision for future growth
- ultimate legal support for land use ordinances
- enhanced state grant opportunities
View the Comprehensive Plan Brochure (PDF)
Older "Findings of Consistency" expired at the end of 2012
A state Finding of Consistency for a local comprehensive plan is valid for twelve years. A temporary exemption for older Findings ran out on December 31, 2012. What does the expiration of a Finding of Consistency mean for your community?
View Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
To Encourage the Preservation of Dark Skies: A Report to the Business, Research & Economic Development Committee
Viewing stars with the naked eye requires "dark skies" - night skies that are largely free of light pollution emitted by misdirected outdoor lights. Maine is one of the few places in the eastern United States that still has dark skies. This report, prepared in response to a legislative resolve calling for the preservation of this natural resource, reviews outdoor lighting standards for commercial development and offers options and recommendations for their promotion.